derby Definition
- 1a horse race that takes place annually and is usually restricted to horses that have not won any of the major races in the previous year
- 2a sports match between two teams from the same area or city
Using derby: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "derby" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky.
Example
The local derby between Manchester United and Manchester City is always a highly anticipated match.
Example
She placed a bet on the horse she liked the most in the derby.
derby Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for derby
Phrases with derby
a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track
Example
She joined a roller derby team and has been practicing every week.
Example
He won the Derby last year with his horse, Thunderbolt.
Example
The local derby between Liverpool and Everton is always a heated match.
Origins of derby
from the name of the Earl of Derby, who established the first horse race of this kind in 1780
Summary: derby in Brief
The term 'derby' [ˈdɑrbi] refers to two different types of competitions. The first is a horse race that is usually limited to horses that have not won any major races in the previous year, such as the Kentucky Derby. The second is a sports match between two teams from the same area or city, also known as a local derby. Other phrases include 'roller derby,' a contact sport played on roller skates, and 'the Derby,' short for the Derby Stakes, a famous horse race held in Epsom, England.
